El Al Israel Airlines Nears Decision on 30 Boeing 737 Max Fleet Expansion

Boeing is on the brink of finalizing its second-largest order for the 737 Max jetliner this year, announced by El Al Israel Airlines on Monday June 10.

El Al disclosed its intention to engage in exclusive negotiations with Boeing and aircraft lessors for around 30 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. This procurement of narrow-body jets, which encompasses replacement engines and spare parts, is estimated to range between $2 billion and $2.5 billion.

El Al’s CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, stressed the urgency of making a critical decision regarding the procurement of narrow-body jets from industry giants Airbus and Boeing on June 3, cautioning that delays could imperil delivery slots crucial for fleet expansion.

Currently, El Al operates a fleet of 44 aircraft, with an average fleet age of 15.6 years. This includes fifteen Boeing 737-800s, one 737-800(BCF), eight 737-900ERs, four 777-200ERs, four 787-8s, and twelve 787-9s. Additionally, it utilizes a wet-leased A300-600R(F) from SM Executive Aviation. The airline’s leasing partnerships encompass nine prominent leasing firms, such as AerCap and Air Lease Corporation, underscoring its diversified aircraft acquisition strategy.

This fleet decision by El Al Israel Airlines is poised to be a pivotal moment in the carrier’s history, potentially reshaping its short-haul operations and bolstering its competitive position in the global aviation market.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com